GDC 10: EA Fires Back At Activision Over Infinity Ward Debacle

Share.

Electronic Arts' John Schappert calls the situation "disappointing."

By Jim Reilly

During a panel today at the Game Developers Conference, Electronic Arts' Chief Financial Officer John Schappert commented on the legal situation between rival publisher Activision and ex-Infinity Ward developers Jason West and Vince Zampella over Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

Schappert called the situation "disappointing."

"I'm disappointed on a couple of fronts," said Schappert. "I'm disappointed because I think Jason and Vince, on the human side, are two great guys, I know them personally, they've done great things. And I think they're two of the best creative leaders in our space."

"And to think they're going to spending their future dealing with litigation and lawyers rather than crafting the next great experience," he added. "I don't think that's a win for them, I don't think that's a win for our industry. I think that's disappointment."

"I hope that they find a way to continue to make games and focus on that during this period."

Schappert also spoke highly of Modern Warfare 2, even though he said he doesn't believe there will be any winners from this legal battle.

"I think the other disappointing thing is, rivalries aside, Modern Warfare 2 is a great game. It's the biggest launch our industry has seen. It's a great franchise."

"Putting my consumer industry fan hat on, to think there could be some challenges with what's the future of that franchise. It doesn't feel like anyone wins when it's gotten to the point it's gotten to," he added.